Three winners and two finalists from the East of England Tourism Awards 2023-2024 have been selected as finalists for the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2024.
The East of England Tourism Awards are organised by Newsquest, the publisher of this title, and took place in February at Snape Maltings in Suffolk.
The awards recognised winners and finalists across 13 categories, all of which were automatically put forward for the VisitEngland national awards for judging.
The businesses selected as finalists were Colchester Castle in Essex, ROARR! and Mill Farm Eco Barns in Norfolk, and Bethnal&Bec and Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter in Hertfordshire.
VisitEngland director Andrew Stokes said: “I am always impressed by the tourism businesses who make it onto our list of finalists with their innovative approaches to ensuring people have the most amazing experiences whilst delivering outstanding customer service across England.
“I congratulate all the finalists and wish them the very best of luck.”
All finalists are invited to attend the national awards ceremony, this year being held at Rum Warehouse at The Titanic Hotel Liverpool on 5 June, where Gold, Silver and Bronze winners will be announced.
Stephanie Griffin, head of events and promotions at Newsquest, said: “We are incredibly pleased to see a number of businesses from the East of England Tourism Awards selected as finalists in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence once again.
“Each year, the East of England Tourism Awards recognise incredible businesses, and to be recognised further is testament to how dedicated the sector is, and how truly lucky we are to have such an outstanding offering here in the East – giving more reason that ever to visit us from further afield.
“Wishing the very best of luck to those that have been announced as finalists and we will keep our fingers firmly crossed for the awards event.”
For more information go to visitenglandawards.org
The finalists
COLCHESTER CASTLE
Finalist for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award
Built on the site of the Roman Temple of Claudius, Colchester Castle in Essex is the largest Norman Keep in Europe and a flagship venue for Colchester + Ipswich Museums. The castle dates back to 1076, and opened as a museum in 1860.
As part of its diverse and family-friendly event programme, it offers object handling, audio description, relaxed visits, rooftop tours, escape experiences, birthday parties and even sleepovers.
Permanent displays chart the rise and fall of the Roman Empire along with other significant moments from Colchester’s history, while temporary exhibitions keep audiences coming back.
ROARR!
Finalist for the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Award and Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
Located in Lenwade, Norfolk, ROARR! is a dinosaur-themed adventure park with dozens of attractions and rides, including indoor and outdoor play.
It is open year-round as a daytime attraction and offers a range of seasonal events at peak periods including Dippy’s Halloween and Dippy’s Christmas Celebration.
Numerous additions and improvements have been made to the park over the years,
including the addition of the Dinomite indoor play area in 2012, Dippy’s Splash Zone in 2016 and the completion of the Valley of the Dinosaurs renovation in May 2023.
MILL FARM ECO BARNS
Finalist for the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award
Located in Winterton-on-Sea on the Norfolk coast, Mill Farm Eco Barns was established in 2013 to offer environmentally conscious self-catering accommodation.
Owners Emma and Neil Punchard embarked on a journey to transform old farm buildings and a barren two-acre site into a wildlife haven for family and guests.
Mill Farm now offers three ‘eco’ barns that are heated solely by renewables, including on-site generation, and a conscious effort is made to be single-use plasticfree across the business.
As well as beautiful accommodation, guests can experience the guests’ allotment, free-range chickens, games barn, wildlife pond and orchard.
BETHNAL&BEC
Finalist for Self Catering Accommodation of the Year
Created by husband-and-wife team Vicky and Chris Saynor, Bethnal&Bec in Cottered in Hertfordshire comprises three luxury self-catering studios in converted stables.
The adult-only cabins have been designed with luxury and comfort in mind and feature king size beds (super king size in The Foaling Box), outdoor jacuzzi baths and outstanding views. The Foaling Box also boasts a retro arcade games table.
The business prides itself on being inclusive and sustainable and stocks and sells products from 25 local suppliers.
WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR LONDON – THE MAKING OF HARRY POTTER
Finalist for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
This interactive tour allows visitors to step onto the authentic sets and explore the behind-the scenes secrets of the Harry Potter film series.
Since opening in 2012, the attraction in Watford, Hertfordshire, has welcomed over 17 million visitors from around the world.
Located at the studios where all eight films were produced, WBSTL showcases the British talent and artistry that went into making the Wizarding World. Visitors can discover the iconic Hogwarts Great Hall and explore the Forbidden Forest, board the original Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾, step into Professor Sprout’s greenhouse and wander down Diagon Alley.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here